Fri, November 29, 2019

Stewards’ Inquiry and Jockey’s Objection into the stretch run. Approaching the 1/8^th pole, the #10 Bustin Hoffman (Benjamin Hernandez) lugs in, making contact with the #1 Coolboy (Joey Martinez). After reviewing the video and speaking with the riders involved, the stewards did not feel this incident affected the outcome of the race. Approaching the 1/16^thpole, the #10 then comes out under left-handed crop into the path of the #9 Thesis (Irad Ortiz, Jr.), causing the latter to steady and the rider of #9 to claim foul. After reviewing the video and speaking to the riders involved, in the Stewards opinion this incident did affect the final order of finish, and the #10 was ordered disqualified from first place and placed second behind the #9. The new order of finish is 9-10-2-1.

With regard to interference, New York is a “Category 2” state, meaning that Commission rules provide that if the interferer is guilty of causing interference and such interference in the judgment of the Stewards has altered the finish of the race, then the interferer is placed behind the offended horse. The Stewards consider whether the riders of the horse or horses that are offended continue to give effort to the finish of the race. The Stewards also consider whether the offending jockey acted in a willful or careless manner while interfering with another horse or jockey, for which the interferer may be disqualified, i.e., placed last or unplaced in the order of finish. For example, if an offending jockey acts in a dangerous manner, exhibits extremely improper riding or impedes several horses, the Stewards may disqualify the offending horse without regard to the specific effect of the foul on the order of finish.